What to do and see in Dorset, England: The Best Art Galleries

Beautiful 26 acre Sculpture Park & Gardens, with Gallery cafe. Due to deep water NO CHILDREN UNDER 14 years of age (including babies) and NO DOGS are allowed. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, hut bookings are from 10am to 4.45pm. Entry is £12.50 per person. The Gallery Cafe is now open serving tea, coffee, light meals, delicious cakes, cream tea's, ice creams etc., visitors can choose to eat inside, outside (at the newly created seating area), or take it out into the Sculpture Park using one of the picnic baskets provided, complete with rug. Visitors are able to enjoy the Gallery & Gallery Cafe without entry to the Sculpture Park. Described as one of the most beautiful & unique sculpture parks in the United Kingdom, Sculpture by the Lakes marries the soft beauty of nature's wild river landscape with the more formal presentation of monumental outdoor sculpture. It is that combination of art and landscape that inspires Sculpture by the Lakes.

A contemporary purpose built art gallery that exhibits modern art and crafts. The emphasis is on displaying work as a gallery should with room to breathe and no other distractions. Showcasing the very best of local talent and internationally known artists. Exhibitions change on a monthly basis, worth checking the website for details. The space can be hired on a monthly basis.

Britain's only gallery devoted to Mountaineering and Landscape Photography with almost a thousand square feet of hanging area. There are always two or three themed exhibitions featuring the mountains, landscapes and peoples of all seven continents. These change every four months. The Gallery is open 7 days a week and admission is free of charge. The emphasis and ethos of the gallery is on viewing rather than selling but 10% of all sales goes directly to Third World Projects.

Artwave West, with its stylish open plan viewing space, specialist museum lighting and crisp uncluttered décor provides a superb place to enjoy looking at and contemplating artworks. The gallery has established itself as one of the principal independent contemporary art venues in the Southwest, by carefully selecting artists and attracting professional practitioners with impressive national and international exhibiting profiles. A number of regular Artwave West artists are frequently nominated for prestigious exhibitions and awards in cultural capitals such as London, New York and Venice. A lively programme of frequently changing exhibitions together with a large stock of additional artwork guarantees there is always something new to view. This year has seen the addition of a teaching Academy next to the gallery where a wide selection of Art Courses take place run by Exhibiting Artists and professional tutors.

A beautiful art gallery located on the harbourside in Weymouth offering original paintings, limited edition prints and locally made glass and ceramics.

Edie-Mae's Gallery offers unique work from over 30 Artists, Designers and Makers. We offer our own re-designed furniture as well as holding creative workshops Our Tea Room is the perfect place to sit and ponder a purchase or simply to enjoy the homemade cakes, Dorset Tea and Dorset Coffee

Lucy's Farm offers country living inspired art and gifts. Lucy Tidbury is famed for her "Moo Selfie" range which include many scenes from around the local area and available to purchase as original oil paintings or signed prints. Designs are also available in giftware including Mugs, Cards, Postcards, Stoneware, Tea Towels and soft furnishing. The shop is also adorned with rustic items from The little French Depot which dress Lucy's products perfectly. If you are looking for totally unique products from a renowned local artist, Lucy's Farm is a must.

Come play with clay and discover your inner potter! Founded in 2015 by artist Imogen Charleston, Moon Studio is situated in a converted barn, nestled between The New Forest and Avon Beach, on the outskirts of Christchurch, Dorset. Here, Imogen teaches a variety of pottery classes to suit all ages and abilities. From taster sessions to short courses, and workshops for children and families. You can also book as a group for a special occasion such as a hen do or birthday party. All aspects of pottery covered including wheel throwing, sculpture, glazing and more.

Art gallery selling pictures, ceramics, glassware, jewellery and hand designed and made fabric creations. All made or designed by local artists. The owner is one of the artists and some of the other artists also work behind the counter.